Ryan's Book Blog – Page 44 – I read therefore I am.

Your Blue Flame

November 17, 2020 by Ryan

Background

“Your Blue Flame” was published in April of 2020 by Jennifer Fulwiler who has a radio talk show on SiriusXM and is a standup comedian. In this book, she challenges readers to follow their passions and do the things they were meant to do in this life.

My Thoughts

First, I had never heard of Jennifer Fulwiler and had no idea what the book was about. (It was listed under Biography which it sort of is.) As I started into it, I thought, “Oh great! Another you-can-do-it book”. It was just that but, this time, I actually thought of a couple of things I’ve been meaning to do.

This book had my mind turning and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t think I would but I was wrong.

Of course, there are problems with just following your passion and Jennifer did a good job of giving some ideas about it. However, some things just have to be done. For example, someone has to clean the toilet. I’m sure that isn’t their “blue flame” or what they were meant to do. However, I have 3 boys, that toilet needs attention…

Recommendation

A good read. Particularly if you need some motivation.

I’m Your Huckleberry

November 16, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, famed actor Val Kilmer talks about his life and experiences in, “I’m Your Huckleberry”.

My Thoughts

I have always liked Val Kilmer and the roles he has played. I didn’t know he was the youngest person to attend “the” Juilliard School or that his 1 time Batman was due to the chance to work with Robert Deniro and Al Pachino. (I pity I never bothered to see that movie…)

Honestly, there have been rare exceptions of celebrities whose thoughts I care about. I don’t see them as our mentors or think they are people we should aspire to be like. Val Kilmer is an interesting person and has had an interesting life. There were so many famous people he either dated or crashed at their place that I lost track. However, he is a little too out there for my tastes. I find his dedication to love admirable and I wish him all the best!

Recommendation

A very interesting read.

Sigh, Gone

November 15, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, “Sigh, Gone” is the autobiography of an immigrant from Vietnam and his experiences growing up in America.

My Thoughts

It was a pretty good book all and all. I didn’t care for the amount of strong language in it but I guess that was his experience. It was also refreshing to hear from another perspective of someone identifying as “other”, as the sociologists say. Phuc really had a hard time navigating through what was expected of him both of society and his family.

The unspoken truth is we all have had the same experiences. Yes, there are certainly those who had it worse than others but all of us identify as the “other” and have had to try to “fit in” at some point or another. We all experience confusion and all have baggage from their parents.

I’d encourage anyone who thinks America is a terrible place to do some traveling. Phuc tells about how he won the Thanksgiving theme essay contest because he was simply thankful his grandparents were “safe in America”. I’ve lived abroad for a time and there are certainly worse places than the USofA.

Recommendation

It was a captivating read and interesting subject. However, there is a lot of strong language and less-than-ideal content. (There is a reason the author forbade his children from reading it till they were at least 16.)

The Lincoln Conspiracy

November 13, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, “The Lincoln Conspiracy” is the story of the first plot to kill Abraham Lincoln before he was able to take office. This book also gives the beginnings of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and gives some background on the first woman detective.

My Thoughts

Yet another testament to the character of our most beloved president, Abraham Lincoln. The more I read about the man, the more I like him.

Of course, it’s hard to look through the glass of time and really distinguish the man from the myth. He was the classic underdog. He was belittled, hated, and eventually murdered and yet still did what he thought was right. Not a bad way to live. It really is a pity we have so few shining examples of integrity today.

Recommendation

Great read and worth the time.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

November 11, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Book 7 and last of the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the culmination and climax of the epic struggle between good wizards and bad. We muggles just didn’t hear about it…

My Thoughts

I actually liked it better this time around. I’m not sure why, maybe I knew what was happening and was able to accept some of the more campy parts like when Voldemort had his snake kill Snape rather than by wand like everyone else or Harry’s self righteous rants and so on. I just let the story happen and allowed it to take me along.

Recommendation

A great read. I will likely read it again next year 🙂

The Book of Eels

November 9, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2019 and then published in English in May 2020, Swedish author Patrik Svensson leads the readers through the life and history of Eels. He also gives a history of mankind’s relationship with them.

My Thoughts

When I saw this book, I thought, “why not”. I wasn’t excited by it but I’m interested in just about everything so… Why not?

I’m so glad I read it. Eels are truly interesting creatures and I had no idea about them. I didn’t know about their lifecycles or how long they live. I really didn’t know that we didn’t know that much about them. Such a weird tale and a surprising cameo by Sigmond Freude…

Recommedation

Loved it! It is a little bit like stereo instructions at places but I liked it none the less.

The Religion of Small Societies

November 7, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in Sep of 2006, “The Religion of Small Societies” is an attempt to understand the spirituality and mysticism of cultures who predate or are outside of the mainstream religions.

My Thoughts

This book had some interesting insights into cultures I didn’t know about or really thought about. We, as humans, are very good about building patterns and beliefs. It was interesting to hear about what others really do believe and why they do the things they do.

Recommendation

Unless you are interested in anthropology, I’d skip this one.

24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

November 6, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, “24” is the biography of Willie Mays. The pretty amazing story of one of the most famous and accomplished baseball players of all time.

24 Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

My Thoughts

Beyond his raw talent and love of the game, I loved that he was just a good person doing his best. Really, that was what stood out to me. Everyone said he was a good guy and was great to be around. Who can ask for more than that?

Recommendation

If you like baseball and/or a good underdog story. Look no further!

What Makes a Marriage Last

November 5, 2020 by Ryan

Background

This compilation of marriage advice was published in May of 2020 just as we were settling into our pandemic lockdowns. Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue interview the famous who somehow managed to avoid divorce throughout their storied careers.

My Thoughts

It took me a few days to get through it. Not because it was hard to read or wasn’t interesting but rather, it caused me to stop and think about things in my own marriage and circumstances for a bit. My poor wife had to endure me giving her bits of advice I had picked up from the book.

This book wasn’t really a deep dive into marital psychology. It was sort of like your great aunt giving you advice on your wedding day. You realize it is likely good to know but until you’ve had some experience, it doesn’t really seem to apply. I’ve spent over 20 years being married so I was listening a bit better this time around.

Recommendation

I liked the book and it was worth the time to read. However, I’d imagine those of you who can name more YouTubers than celebrities likely won’t have any idea who most of the people are (including the authors).

My Vanishing Country

October 26, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, My Vanishing Country is a quazi-autobiography of Bakari Sellers who was one of the youngest state representative from South Carolina. He reflects on his childhood and his rise into politics. He also talks about the state of the world today.

My Thoughts

I read this book because it was a recent release and thought it might be interesting. It wasn’t… I thought there was a lot of hate in the book and I didn’t enjoy it. I don’t agree with several of the statements made but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Recommendation

A waste of time.